Nectarine tree (June Brite)

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which is of large size, medium dense, vigorous and upright growth; the tree being a productive and regular bearer of large, early ripening, firm, yellow flesh clingstone fruit with an attractive red skin color and having good eating, shipping and storage quality.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present variety of nectarine tree was originated by us in theexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. The new nectarine treewas a selection from a large number of second generation seedlings whichoriginated from a cross between Early Sun Grand Nectarine (U.S. PlantPat. No. 1,420) and Zee Gold Nectarine (U.S. Plant No. 3,078). Theseseedlings which were grown and maintained under close observation by usgave many and varying characteristics, the present variety whichevidenced distinctive desirable characteristics was selected for asexualreproduction and ultimate introduction into the trade to meet anexisting demand for a nectarine so characterized.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of nectarine tree which is of large size,medium dense, vigorous and upright in growth and being a regular andproductive bearer of large, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit characterizedas to novelty by early ripening; the ripening period being 2 to 3 daysearlier than Zee Gold Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,087). The fruitis further characterized by having yellow skin color substantiallyoverspread with red, firm flesh, good eating, shipping and handlingqualities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs show typical specimens of the fruit andfoliage of our new nectarine variety, with the upper and lower surfacesof the foliage being illustrated and typical specimens of the fruit, oneof the said first specimens being depicted in cross section with stoneremaining in place. The colors are as nearly true as reasonably possiblein color representations of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a botanical description of our new nectarine tree, itsfoliage and fruit, as based on observations of specimens grown atModesto, Calif., with color terminology (except those in common colorterms) in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A. Kornerup and J. H.Wansher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigor.--Vigorous.

Form.--Upright.

Density.--Medium dense.

Productivity.--Productive.

Bearer.--Regular.

Trunk:

Size.--Stocky.

Surface.--Shaggy.

Color.--Brownish gray.

Branches:

Size.--Medium stocky.

Texture.--Smooth to medium rough.

Color.--Brown to grayish brown.

Lenticels.--Medium size. Medium number.

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 61/2" to 71/2". Average width -- 11/2"to 13/4".

Texture.--Smooth.

Form.--Lanceolate. Acutely pointed.

Margin.--Crenate.

Glands.--Number 2 to 4. Usually 2. Located on base of leaf and upperportion of petiole. Reniform.

Petiole.--Average length -- 1/2". Average width -- 1/16".

Color.--Upper surface -- deep green to dark green (28-E-8) to (28-F-7).Lower surface -- grayish green (28-D-5) to (28-E-6).

Flower buds:

Size.--Medium to large.

Length.--Medium.

Form.--Plump.

Flowers:

Size.--Large -- showy.

Color.--Pink.

Pollen.--Present.

Blooming period.--Feb. 27, 1982 to Mar. 7, 1982. Varies slightly withclimatic conditions.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--June 1, 1982.

Date of last picking.--June 6, 1982.

Size.--Large -- uniform. Average diameter axially -- 21/2" to 3".Average transversely in suture plane -- 21/2" to 27/8".

Form.--Nearly globose -- slightly elongated in axial plane.

Suture.--Extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Rounded, lips vary from equal to unequal.

Cavity.--Rounded; circular. Average depth -- 1/2". Average breadth --3/4".

Base.--Retuse.

Apex.--Rounded. Varies from slight depression to slight point.

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium -- tenacious to flesh.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Wanting.

Color.--Yellow ground color (4-A-7) to (4-A-8). Almost entirelyoverspread with red (9-B-8) to (10-B-8).

Flesh:

Juice.--Moderate.

Texture.--Firm -- meaty.

Amygdalin.--Wanting.

Ripens.--Comparatively even.

Flavor.--Mild.

Aroma.--Very little.

Eating quality.--Good.

Color.--Yellow (4-A-8) to cadmium orange (5-A-8). Stone cavity browishorange (7-B-8) to yellowish red (8-B-8).

Stone:

Type.--Clingstone.

Size.--Large. Average length -- 1 7/16". Average breadth -- 11/8".Average thickness -- 3/4".

Form.--Ovid.

Base.--Straight to slight oblique.

Apex.--Acuminate.

Sides.--Equal to unequal Some with extended wings.

Surface.--Irregularly furrowed toward apex, pitted toward base.

Ridges.--Rounded toward apex.

Tendency to split.--Very slight.

Color.--Light brown to reddish brown (8-D-6) to (8-D-8).

Use: Dessert. Local and long distance shipping.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

The nectarine tree and its fruit herein described may vary in slightdetail due to soil, climatic conditions and cultural practices underwhich the variety may be grown. The description is that of the varietyproduced under ecological conditions prevailing at Modesto, Calif.

The following is claimed:
 1. A new and distinct variety of nectarinetree, of large size, vigorous, upright growth and being a regular andproductive bearer of large, early ripening, yellow flesh, clingstonefruit, ripening approximately 2 to 3 days before Zee Gold Nectarine(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,087); the fruit is further characterized by itsuniform size, and attractive red skin color, its good eating, storageand shipping qualities.